Radio annual (1939)

gram time is allotted on the following scale of program importance : light music, opera and serious music, dance music, news, commentaries and communiques, children's hour and religious services, drama and talks. Recorded programs are used principally during the earlier hours of the broadcasting day and are widely used in the Empire broadcasts. The departments of the BBC are Music, Variety, Drama, Outside Broadcasts, Dance, News, School Broadcasts, Religion, Program Planning, Television, and the Empire Services. Advertising — As a policy of the BBC, no advertising is broadcast. There is no prohibitory law, however. Regulation — Every owner of a radio set is required by law to obtain a license which costs 10 shillings annually and is good for 12 months. One license will cover any number of radio sets in one house but a separate license is required for car sets. The only exemption from this license fee applies in the case of blind persons. Receipts from the license fees are applied to the cost of programs after a percentage has been deducted for the use of the National Exchequer. The BBC receives 6 to 7 shillings of each 10-shilling licensee fee. Licenses in use — 8,689,850. Stations — 17, plus 16 short wave. # URUGUAY General — In view of the foreign exchange restrictions now in force which serve to handicap imports both of sets and parts for assembly, the demand for radio sets and equipment is greater than the supply. No census of radio receiving sets in use is available, but the number is estimated at 125,000. It is estimated that annual sales of receiving sets numbers 20,000. Large majority of sales are made in Montevideo. Sources of Supply — The United States is by far the leading source for sets and parts. The United States has a secure position in this market which has yet to be seriously challenged. Approximately 90 per cent of the market's requirements are of domestic assembly. Patents — No patent interference with the sale of American sets and tubes has been experienced. Tariffs and Trade Restrictions — The duty on radio sets and loudspeakers is 120 per cent of a fixed valuation of one peso per kilogram, or 1.20 pesos per kilogram; 25 per cent of this duty must be paid in gold or in currency to the equivalent of Uruguayan gold par. The duty on spare parts and accessories is 120 per cent of a fixed valuation of 80 centesimos per gross kilogram. Short Wave— The demand for short wave sets is gradually increasing. European and American stations are received, although the latter have been heavily blanketed, especially by the Berlin transmitters. Local interference causes considerable difficulty. Broadcasting — Thirty-nine stations are reported to be operating. In addition there are 24 short wave stations, all in Montevideo. Programs — Most of the domestic programs consist of the playing of records, interspersed with announcements. The official government station given no advertising and frequently plays long symphonies or opera selections without interrup tion ; it also broadcasts concerts, meetings, speeches, etc. The programs are popular as there are often as many as 25 stations on the air simultaneously in Montevideo alone. Advertising by Radio — Advertising is done on practically all but the official station. The general practice is to make two announcements between phonograph records. Sets in use — 125,000. Stations — 63. # YUGOSLAVIA General — Registrations of sets totalled 122,455 on May 31, 1938. There is believed to be a considerable number of unlicensed sets. About 60 per cent of the registrations are in the Belgrade district. It is estimated that from 15,000 to 20,000 sets are sold annually. The demand is distinctly seasonal, highest in winter. The chief demand is for cheap sets. Table model 5 -tube superheterodynes, with dials showing the names of the stations are most popular. Console models with illuminated dials showing station names are also in some demand. Sources of Supply— Foreign competition is confined to a few large firms. The first of these is Philips, represented by Philips Jugoslovenska Trgovacko A.D., a subsidiary. The second firm is Telefunken, with other firms, well known but less important, such as Ingelen, Orion, Standard, and Blaupunkt, as well as a few American. Patents — Patents are controlled by the local SiemensHalske subsidiary, representing Telefunken. This firm has sued several important importers of American sets for infringement, and has obtained favorable decisions in local courts, so that importers of American sets are forced to pay a royalty of 100 dinars per set. Tariffs and Restrictions — Radio sets and parts, together with certain other merchandise is prohibited from importation into Yugoslavia when from countries having no clearing agreement with that country. The United States has no such agreement. The only exception is that permits may be issued when the importer undertakes to export a compensating amount of Yugoslav goods to the United States. This is very difficult of accomplishment. Short Waves — In addition to the Belgrade short wave station, others in Asia, Africa, and the Western hemisphere as well as Europe are received readily. American stations do not come in well during the usual listening hours in Yugoslavia. Broadcasting — Yugoslavia has 4 broadcasting stations. Broadcasting is organized by the Government, which reserves all rights of supervision and control. Concessions are granted for 10 and 20-year periods. The service is supported by license fee receipts. Programs — The three medium wave stations operate frequently as a chain, each on occasion serving as key station. Programs are general and varied. International programs are often relayed. The short wave station broadcasts in French, Italian, English, German, Hungarian, Greek, Turkish, and Albanian. The programs are general, but are designed rather to illustrate Yugoslav customs to foreign listeners than for Yugoslav reception. There is, however, an effort to serve Yugoslav emigrants abroad. Sets in use — 122,455. Stations — 4. 960